The tagline for “Reading with Pictures” says it all (with maybe a bit of genre hyperbole): “Comics that make kids smarter!” Teacher Kevin Hodgson recommends the cross curricular graphic story collection curated by Josh Elder and its free 146-pp study guide.
Dialogue circles can facilitate brain function and help “increase generosity, trust, intrinsic motivation, social connection, and cooperation so students can work together for a common purpose,” writes inner-city middle school principal David Palank.
Future of History / Teaching strategies
by Jody & Shara · Published 03/22/2015 · Last modified 12/12/2019
Should middle grades history classrooms emphasize project learning or teacher lecture? Written or activity-based assessment? Student inquiry or teacher designed units? Teacher Jody Passanisi considers the pros and cons and wonders about the right blend.
STEM By Design / STEM Program Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 03/15/2015 · Last modified 11/29/2019
Access to STEM education is more than an economic issue. It’s a matter of equity as well. Anne Jolly highlights the story of an urban district where an intentionally disruptive program is successfully involving all middle school students in STEM studies.
Kids on the Cusp / Teaching writing
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 03/11/2015 · Last modified 12/01/2019
Looking for a “standardized writing prompt” that will really engage her students, Mary Tarashuk hits upon favorite essayist Andy Rooney and his reflection on a favorite teacher, then fashions a multi-day practice assessment to get her 4th graders thinking and writing.
Future of History / Professional Development
by Sarah Cooper · Published 03/08/2015 · Last modified 11/16/2019
Sarah Cooper leaves her MS classroom behind for a few hours to experience life as a history student again. Her online course proves calming and stimulating, challenging and refreshing. She sees how content area PD can strengthen her classroom practice.
Despite some organizational problems, says reviewer Susan Schwartz, “West Meets East” offers many insights into the comparative teaching practices of Chinese and US teachers recognized for excellence and shows that educators have much they can learn from each other, wherever they may practice their profession.
Book Reviews / Improving Teacher Quality
by MiddleWeb · Published 02/14/2015 · Last modified 12/01/2019
Todd Whitaker provides school administrators with a fresh approach to improve the culture in their schools, suggesting positive strategies for working with mediocre teachers. Reviewer William Evans wanted more research to support experience-based suggestions.
Genre Connections provides teachers with “concrete” advice for helping kids discover different genres in a variety of ways. Tanny McGregor’s suggestions for using art and music are particularly helpful, says reviewer Elisa Waingort.
Altering Perspective / Future of History
by Jody & Shara · Published 01/25/2015 · Last modified 12/06/2019
When student teams create skits to gain perspective on different aspects of the same historical event, they may begin to grasp complexity of history. Sometimes they leap to fresh insights, as they did during a Revolutionary battle in Jody Passanisi’s classroom.
